Kitsap County SNAP-Ed

Back-to-school time is around the corner

https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals

Nourishing Young Minds
Nutritious school meals help America's children learn, grow, and stay healthy. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost meals to over 30 million children each school day. NSLP operates in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions.

In 2023, WA families used over $4.3 million in food access benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples directly from farmers and food businesses at farmers markets. This is a win-win-win for local families, businesses, and markets.

Happy National Farmers Market Week. 🥕🍞🍓🥔

Farmers Market inspired menu for National Farmers Market Week!

Farmers Market Week A trip to the Farmers Market is a great way to start a delicious meal. Learn about Farmers Markets in SNAP-Ed!

Kitsap Farmers Market Week
August 4th - 10th

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/event/kitsap-farmers-market-week/

It's National Farmers Market week! Help celebrate by joining us at one of Kitsap's terrific farmers markets -

- Bremerton Farmers Market: Thursdays, 4-7
- Port Orchard Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9-2
- Bainbridge Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10-2
- Poulsbo Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10-2
- Kingston Farmers Market: Sundays, 10-3

For so many reasons, farmers markets have always been essential. They bring communities together with nutritious food, support the livelihoods of local farmers, contribute to the wellbeing of our planet, and so much more.

Farmers Markets are changing the way we eat, shop, connect, and more! Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities. Markets are not only essential to local food systems, but are increasing opportunities for us to learn, grow, and work together.

Farmers markets are our past, present and future. Can't wait to see you there!

It’s ! For SNAP shoppers, there are so many ways to double your dollars when shopping for fruits and vegetables. SNAP Produce Match allows you to earn up to $10 in match AT EACH STORE when shopping for fresh, frozen and canned produce at Safeway stores, the Chimacum Corner Store, and the Port Townsend Co-op. Here’s how it works:

1. Buy fresh, frozen or canned fruits and veggies with SNAP EBT at a participating store
2. Save the receipt: There will be printed coupon for $10 off fresh, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables for your next visit
3. Redeem the coupon at check-out the next time you shop!

Try it out soon and let us know how it works for you!

It’s ! Every weekend, SNAP EBT shoppers double their money when they stock up on delicious local goods at their closest Farmers Market. How? When you use your SNAP at the farmers market, you receive at least $25 in matched dollars PER MARKET to buy fresh produce on the same day! Here’s how it works:

1. Use your EBT to buy fresh, unprepared foods such as meat, eggs, cheese, breads and grains, honey, produce and more at the farmer's market.
2. Go to the Farmers Market welcome booth to redeem your purchase for an equal amount in SNAP Market Match vouchers. Depending on the market, you can receive anywhere from $25 to unlimited match!
3. Match dollars can be spent on the same day or in the future on fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, seeds and veggie plant starts.

Does it sound too good to be true? We know! Try it out this weekend and let us know how it goes.

Using SNAP EBT & Market Match at the Bremerton Community Farmers Market this summer?

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2024/06/snap-ebt-market-match-bremerton-farmers-market/

Use Market Match to match your EBT dollars spent at the farmer's market. EBT dollars can be used to purchase plant starts and seeds too!

New to gardening?

Lettuce is easy to grow, requiring minimal care. It doesn’t need frequent fertilization and can be planted in various soil types. Lettuce is high in Vitamin A and K. Vitamin A is important for eye health and Vitamin K boosts brain health.

Don't have a garden?

Plant in a pot! Kale: Kale adapts well to container gardening. In addition to being rich in Vitamin A and K, Kale is a good source of Vitamin C which helps the immune system.

Update to MyPlate!

https://www.myplate.gov/whatsonmyplate

MyPlate can be customized to fit your dietary needs, preferences, cultural traditions, and budget. With it, you can enjoy your favorite recipes and eat the healthy foods you love.

Happy Earth Day! Food Waste Hero: Rachel Beason
by Paisley Gallagher, Food Security Coordinator

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/food-preservation/food-waste-hero/

In the heart of Kitsap County, Rachel Beason, Director of Food Services at Kitsap Community Resources (KCR), stands at the forefront of a crucial movement, rescuing food and transforming it into nutritious meals for those in need. Through her tireless dedication and innovative approach, she has redefined the concept of food rescue, making a significant impact on her community. In a recent interview, Rachel shared insights into her motivations, challenges, and aspirations in her role.

Click above to read the full piece!

From SNAP-Ed: Get more at your local farmers market!

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2024/04/snap-ed-get-local-farmers-market/

SNAP EBT Token
Go to Market info booth to swipe your EBT card for any amount & get tokens.

SNAP Market Match
Swipe your EBT card at the market info booth and you will get up to $25 more to spend in SNAP Market Match each day you shop at the farmers market.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
WIC Participants with FMNP get:
- $30 per participant OR $90 per family to spend between June 1 and Oct 31
All WIC participants can now use Fruit & Vegetable Benefits at the market too!:
- $26 and up per month depending on family

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Seniors with FMNP get $80 per season to spend between June 1 and Oct 31.

Click above to see the flyer for more info!

Seasonal Produce Guide - Spring!
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/spring

St. Patrick's Day menu!
https://sed.fns.agcloud.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus/st-patricks-day

Valentine's Day Menu

Valentine's Day This heart-healthy meal is a great way to say, "I love you!" MyPlate includes lean proteins for heart health. You can find more resources for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy from Healthy Eating with MyPlate. The resources are primarily from SNAP-Ed organizations.

Food Preservation & Food Safety
New section and lots of great resources on our website!

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/food-preservation/

At home food preservation can be a rewarding experience, but proper steps must be followed in order to ensure safety. It can be tempting to try that old recipe passed down through the generations, but we don't recommend it! Many of those old recipes are no longer safe by today's standards. It's not worth taking the chance of making your family and friends sick!

You can trust that all of the resources listed on these pages are chock full with current research-based information, and every recipe has been lab tested to ensure its safety for your family.

Cutting back on added sugars!
https://www.snap4ct.org/added-sugar.html

Promoting SNAP Redemption at Farmers Markets in Spotsylvania, Virginia
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/library/success-stories/promoting-snap-redemption-farmers-markets-spotsylvania-virginia
In Spotsylvania, Virginia, a SNAP-Ed partnership led to increased redemption of SNAP benefits at local farmers markets! The partnership began in 2019, when an Eat Smart, Move More SNAP-Ed Extension Agent, with Virginia Cooperative Extension, started working with the Fredericksburg Food Access Forum.

Promoting SNAP Redemption at Farmers Markets in Spotsylvania, Virginia In Spotsylvania, Virginia, a SNAP-Ed partnership led to increased redemption of SNAP benefits at local farmers markets!

Healthy, Thrifty Holiday Menus - December

Healthy, Thrifty Holiday Menus The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.

Happy Halloween!

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus/halloween

This quick, kid-friendly menu will provide nutritious fuel for all the ghosts and goblins.

Halloween This quick, kid-friendly menu will provide nutritious fuel for all the ghosts and goblins.

Learn how to eat healthy with MyPlate

https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate

Remember the food pyramid? Meet MyPlate, the official symbol of the five food groups.
MyPlate is a visual reminder to make healthy choices from each of the five groups. MyPlate.gov offers tips and resources that support healthy dietary patterns.

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/library/success-stories/LSU-AgCenter-Supports-PSE-Changes-Louisiana

LSU AgCenter Supports PSE Changes in Louisiana The small town of Crowville, Louisiana has one corner store, one restaurant, and one dollar store – but no grocery store. Thanks to a partnership between Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter SNAP-Ed and a group of passionate community leaders, the local dollar store now features fresh produce...

2022-2023 P-EBT School Year Benefits for Children Under 6

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2023/07/2022-2023-p-ebt-school-year-benefits-children-6/

Children under age 6 who live in a household that receives Basic Food will receive retroactive P-EBT benefits as a lump sum for each month they were active on food benefits from Sept. 1, 2022, through May 11, 2023, the date the federal PHE designation ended. Monthly benefits for eligible months: Sept. 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023: $43.88 per month Prorated amount for May 1 – 11, 2023: $28.94

P-EBT automatic eligibility determination and benefit issuance process: In collaboration with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, DSHS is continuing to work with their third-party vendor, Accenture, to determine eligibility for P-EBT automatically and to load benefits onto a designated P-EBT card. Eligible children will receive an approval letter in the mail, and newly eligible children will also receive a P-EBT card. Families who have misplaced or gotten rid of previous P-EBT cards can call 833-518-0282 for a replacement card. As this is the final year of P-EBT, families are encouraged to use their benefits. Any unused P-EBT benefits will be removed after 274 days of non-usage. Any transaction, regardless of amount, will prevent removal of these benefits for 274 days from the transaction date. Families can sign up for text message alerts about the status of their child’s P-EBT by going to textpebt.dshs.wa.gov and filling out a simple verification form. Please contact the P-EBT Contact Center at 833-518-0282 for additional support.

Meet the Coordinator: Julie Evenson, SNAP-Ed Nutrition

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2023/07/meet-coordinator-snap-ed-nutrition/

SNAP-Ed Nutrition is Washington State's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education. It is a practical, hands on nutrition education program available to Washington Basic Food (food stamp) recipients and schools where 50% or more of their students receive free or reduced lunches. This nutrition education program reaches youth and adults in the Kitsap community with information to help participants practice healthy eating habits and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Food Guidance System (ChooseMyPlate.gov).

Let's learn a little more about Julie and the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program:

How did you first get involved with SNAP-Ed Nutrition?

I was an athlete growing up, as a result the benefits associated with proper nutrition were introduced to me at an early age...

Click the link above to read more!

Summer Produce Guide:

Summer Produce The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.

New SNAP Recipe – Hawaiian-Style Oxtail Soup

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/health/snap-ed-recipes/hawaiian-style-oxtail-soup/

Check out a brand new entry in the SNAP recipes section on the WSU Kitsap Extension website, with a Pacific Islander flavor!

Prep time: 8 mins
Cooking time: 4 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Chinese, Hawaiian
Click above to see the full details!

SNAP Produce Match – through June 30th.

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2023/06/snap-produce-match-june-30th/

Now through June 30th, earn $10 when you spend at least $10 on fruits and vegetables with your SNAP/EBT card! This temporary increase may end earlier if funding is used up before that date.

Shoppers who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT benefits can stretch their food budget to buy more fruits and vegetables with SNAP Produce Match at participating grocery stores! Look for the SNAP Produce Match logo at your local grocery store.

Grilling and eating outdoors is a fun way to spend time with family and friends. When eating outdoors, take precautions to make sure your food stays safe. Here are some simple food safety guidelines for preparing, transporting, and serving food safely.

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/food-safety

Easter Menu
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus/easter
A collection of fresh flavors for a spring day that also makes use of the eggs gathered in a morning hunt! Leftover eggs are a great opportunity to teach Cooking skills and how to reduce food waste during SNAP-Ed cooking classes.

Easter A collection of fresh flavors for a spring day that also makes use of the eggs gathered in a morning hunt! Leftover eggs are a great opportunity to teach Cooking skills and how to reduce food waste during SNAP-Ed cooking classes.

Meal Planning, Shopping, and Budgeting
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/nutrition-education-materials/meal-planning-shopping-and-budgeting

Planning meals is one of the best ways to save money and eat healthy meals. SNAP-Ed programs developed these materials to teach meal planning skills. The materials also pair well with healthy eating materials.

Meal Planning, Shopping, and Budgeting The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.

Your SNAP food benefits are changing!

https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2023/02/food-benefits-changing/

Here's what you need to know:
Emergency food allotments are ending in February and your food benefit amount will decrease beginning March 2023. From March 2020 to February 2023, the federal government issued temporary emergency funding to provide families with additional food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting in March 2023:
The amount of food benefits you will receive without the emergency benefits will depend on your specific circumstances.

Here's what you can do:
Learn what your new benefit amount will be
Call 877-501-2233 and choose the self-service option or log into your Client Benefit Account at WashingtonConnection.org.

Find local resources:
Visit findhelp.org or 211.org. SNAP Match Programs increase your food benefits so you can buy more fruits and vegetables.

Report a change:
If circumstances in your life have changed, you may qualify for a higher benefit amount. Call 877-501-2233, go to WashingtonConnection.org, or visit your local Community Services Office to report changes in household size, income or expenses.

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus/game-day

Game Day Menu!

Game Day A collection of snacks to keep people fueled during the big game. Indoor physical activities can be done during time outs and commercial breaks. Discussing ways to be active during cooking classes is a great way include physical activity themes!